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Plastic is an indispensable part of modern life, yet also a significant threat to environmental sustainability. Hence, efforts to recycle and reuse plastic are gaining increasing attention from the global community. Join EuroPlas on a journey to explore recycled plastic and recyclable plastic types, aiming to build a more sustainable and brighter future for the generations to come!

What is recycled plastic?

Reusable plastic is plastic that has been processed to remove impurities and can be used to create new products. Recycled plastic can be made from various sources, including water bottles, food containers, and plastic bags.

The plastic recycling process begins with collecting plastic from various sources. Then, the plastic is sorted by plastic type. Different types of plastic have different characteristics and properties, so they need to be processed differently.

After being sorted, the plastic is cleaned and impurities are removed. Then, the plastic is crushed into small pieces. These plastic pieces are then melted and formed into plastic pellets. These pellets can be used to create new products, such as water bottles, food containers, and plastic bags.

Plastic recycling is an excellent way to reduce environmental pollution. When plastic is recycled, it does not need to be buried or incinerated. This helps conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Plastic recycling is also a cost-effective way. Recycled plastic is often cheaper than new plastic. This is because recycled plastic does not need to be produced from scratch.

What is recycled plastic?

Types of plastics that can be recycled

Recycling symbols for plastics

The recycling symbol for plastics is a triangular icon with an arrow inside, and within it, there is a number from 1 to 7. This number indicates the type of plastic from which the product is made.

• Plastic No.1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• Plastic No.2: HDPE (High-density Polyethylene)
• Plastic No.3: PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) 
• Plastic No.4: LDPE (Low-density Polyethylene)
• Plastic No.5: PP (Polypropylene)
• Plastic No.6: PS (Polystyrene)
• Plastic No.7: Other plastics

Some types of plastics are recyclable, while others are not. Recyclable plastics can be transformed into new products such as water bottles, cooking oil bottles, shampoo bottles, milk cartons, yogurt containers, food packaging, trash bags, food storage bags, food containers, toy containers, medicine containers, plastic cups, fast-food containers, and egg cartons. Non-recyclable plastics are processed by incineration or landfill.

Plastic recycling is a way to protect the environment. When we recycle plastic, we help reduce the amount of plastic waste released into the environment. Plastic waste can cause soil, water, and air pollution. It can also be a habitat for harmful bacteria and parasites.

Recycling symbols for plastics

Which plastics are highly recyclable?

PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)

PET is the most commonly recycled plastic. It is used to make water bottles, soft drink bottles, cooking oil bottles, and some types of clothing. PET can be recycled multiple times without a significant reduction in quality.

The recycling symbol for PET is a triangular arrow with the number 1 inside. Some products made from PET that can be recycled include:

• Water bottles
• Soft drink bottles
• Cooking oil bottles
• Shampoo and soap bottles
• Some types of clothing
• Sanitary pads

PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)

HDPE (High-density Polyethylene)

HDPE is a strong and durable plastic, commonly used to make milk bottles, mineral water bottles, shampoo and soap bottles, and some types of toys. HDPE can be recycled multiple times without a significant reduction in quality.

The recycling symbol for HDPE is a triangular arrow with the number 2 inside. Some products made from HDPE that can be recycled include:

• Milk bottles
• Mineral water bottles
• Shampoo and soap bottles
• Some types of toys
• Trash bins
• Toy containers

HDPE (High-density Polyethylene)

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)

PVC is a rigid and durable type of plastic commonly used in products such as windows, water pipes, and toys. It is also utilized in some food products, such as food wrap and water bottles.

PVC has a recycling symbol with a triangular arrow and the number 3 inside it. Some products made from PVC that can be recycled include:

• Windows
• Water pipes
• Toys
• Food wrap
• Water bottles
• Cooking oil bottles
• Milk cartons
• Yogurt containers
• Food storage containers

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)

LDPE (Low-density Polyethylene)

LDPE is a softer plastic compared to PET and HDPE. It is used to make plastic bags, food wrap, and food cover sheets. LDPE can also be recycled, but it is usually more challenging to recycle compared to PET and HDPE.

The recycling symbol for LDPE is a triangular arrow with the number 4 inside. Some products made from LDPE that can be recycled include:

• Plastic bags
• Food wrap
• Food cover sheets
• Trash bags
• Shopping bags

LDPE (Low-density Polyethylene)

PP (Polypropylene)

PP is a high-strength plastic with good heat resistance. It is used to make bottle caps, food containers, and toys. PP can also be recycled, but it is typically more difficult to recycle compared to PET, HDPE, and LDPE.

The recycling symbol for PP is a triangular arrow with the number 5 inside. Some products made from PP that can be recycled include:

• Bottle caps
• Food containers
• Toys
• Tape
• Trash bins

PP (Polypropylene)

PS (Polystyrene)

PS is a cheap and lightweight type of plastic. It is used to make cups, food containers, and toys. PS is not as easily recyclable as other types of plastics. It can be recycled, but it is often incinerated instead of being recycled.

The recycling symbol for PS is a triangular arrow with the number 6 inside. Some products made from PS that can be recycled include:

• Cups
• Food containers
• Toys
• Egg cartons
• Foam trays

PS (Polystyrene)

OTHER (Other types of plastics)

Other types of plastics include:

• ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
• PC (Polycarbonate)
• Nylon
• Acrylic

These types of plastics are often not easily recyclable through conventional methods. They can be recycled, but it is usually costly and challenging.

Plastic recycling is an excellent way to reduce environmental pollution and protect the environment. When plastic is recycled, it can be used to create new products instead of being buried or incinerated. This helps conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

OTHER (Other types of plastics)

EuroPlas specializes in providing bioplastic and plastic additives

EuroPlas is a reputable company in the field of supplying bioplastic and plastic additives in Vietnam. With the motto "Protecting the environment, promoting sustainable development," EuroPlas continuously conducts research, innovates technologies, and offers high-quality products to meet the demands of customers and adhere to the highest environmental protection standards.

One of EuroPlas' key strengths is the supply of bioplastic compound products. Bioplastics are produced from renewable or bio-based sources such as starch, cellulose, and synthesized from plant resources. This helps reduce CO2 emissions and plastic waste, thus minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Using bioplastics not only reduces plastic waste but also creates favorable conditions to preserve natural resources for future generations.

EuroPlas specializes in providing bioplastic and plastic additives

In addition, EuroPlas provides high-quality plastic additives at reasonable prices. Plastic additives play a crucial role in improving the properties and performance of plastic products. By applying top-notch additives, EuroPlas delivers plastic products with high durability, superior characteristics, and meets the highest quality standards.

EuroPlas's dedicated, experienced, and professional team is always ready to support customers in selecting and using their products. Moreover, EuroPlas is committed to providing the best after-sales care, ensuring customer satisfaction and trust.

In conclusion, EuroPlas is not only a provider of bioplastic and high-quality plastic additives but also a reliable partner, accompanying businesses and individuals in environmental protection and building a sustainable future for the next generations.